Discover Atlanta: A Local’s Guide
iBestTravel Local Ni’Kesia Pannell has been living in Atlanta for more than five years. Although her writing career brought her to the Peach State from Orlando, the city’s true southern charm has kept her around. From snickerdoodles to stunning hikes to budget-friendly steak nachos, there’s much to discover, see, do, and eat in and around the Hollywood of the South.
Social Hangouts in Atlanta
For the times I want to be social… I love to head to Ormsby’s, a games bar in West Side. It’s an excellent venue for hanging out with friends or taking a date to play games like shuffleboard, pool, and Skee-Ball. There’s a full bar and a food menu to fuel the fun.
Weekend Activities
A typical weekend could include… hanging out around Little Five Points. Both locals and visitors enjoy strolling around this vibrant area to shop and experience its eclectic atmosphere. This spot perfectly embodies what Atlanta is all about: a melting pot of eccentricity.
Hidden Food Gems
When I want some off-the-radar Mexican food… I go to El Huarache Veloz in Marietta, about 20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta. Not only is it authentic Mexican cuisine, but it’s also super affordable. My favorite dish there is the steak nachos.
For the best sushi… I recommend RA Sushi in Midtown. From spicy salmon rolls to pork gyoza, the restaurant stays packed for good reason. To get a great deal, visit during their twice-daily happy hours from Monday to Saturday (3pm-7pm and 10pm to close).
Activity and Entertainment
When I have friends in town… I take them to The Battery, a lively area filled with shops and restaurants near the home of the Atlanta Braves. Despite being relatively new, it feels fresh with new shops and eateries appearing frequently. A bonus is that you can enjoy the Braves games on big screens if you visit during game days.
Atlanta’s Traffic Woes
One thing I hate about Atlanta… is the infamous traffic. Morning rush hour can begin as early as 4 am and can last until 10 am. Similarly, evening rush hour starts around 3:30 pm and continues until 7:30 pm. Even the lunch-hour traffic (usually from noon to 1:30 pm) poses a significant challenge. It’s advisable to plan your travels outside the peak times and stay alert for weekend events that may also cause congestion.
Outdoor and Nature Walks
When I want to clear my mind… I head to Kennesaw Mountain or Stone Mountain for a refreshing walk. The latter tends to get crowded if you don’t arrive early; however, morning walks are truly the best time to enjoy the beauty.
Sweet Treats in Atlanta
When I want some sweet treats… I stop by Sublime Doughnuts, which has locations in Midtown and North Druid Hills. As someone with a serious sweet tooth, I often indulge in the Fresh Strawberry N Cream or Fruity Pebbles doughnuts, which are always a hit. Not a doughnut fan? You can try Insomnia Cookies in Midtown. With traditional flavors such as snickerdoodle and double chocolate mint, there’s simply no wrong choice. The best part about both? They’re open almost all day and night — Insomnia until 3 am and Sublime Doughnuts open 24/7.
Cooling Off in Atlanta
When I want to cool off… my first choice will always be a popsicle from King of Pops. Since moving to Atlanta, I have fallen in love with their uniquely crafted flavors, made with local ingredients. They even offer delightful treats for dogs.
Community Spirit
One of the best things about Atlanta… is the friendly atmosphere that allows you to connect with anyone, wherever you go. Whether you’re out at a lounge, club, or exploring any of the city’s highlights, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter kind souls eager to chat and share experiences.
